Louise Stepanek

Lousie Stepanek, 82, died Sunday, March 31, 2024, at St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk, NE.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the McKown Funeral Home chapel, Columbus, NE. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12 from 11:30 AM until service time, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in the St. Bonaventure's Cemetery, Columbus, NE.

Louise was born January 27, 1942, in Prague, NE to Adolph and Albina (Chromy) Ourada. She spent her formative years in rural Prague, NE. She graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School, Cedar Bluffs, NE. She met her husband, Marvin Stepanek, at a New Year's Eve dance in Prague. Marvin was in the service at the time. On May 18, 1960, they were united in marriage in Prague. They eventually made their home in Columbus, NE where they raised their four children, Michael, Theresa, Alan, and Stacey. Marvin later passed away in 1980. She was a housewife and held various jobs throughout her lifetime, including positions at Columbus Manor, Dales, and various restaurants.

Louise was a very social person and enjoyed being around friends and family. She was feisty, tenacious, and enjoyed a good spar. She had a free-spirited soul, quick wit, and a great sense of humor. She could be mischievous and enjoyed a good practical joke. She was an avid Cornhusker football fan, enjoyed playing bingo, collecting dolls and trinkets, and watching classic westerns. Her appreciation of polka music inspired her to learn to play the accordion. Her love of polka music and dancing were a constant joy throughout her life. Polka music could be heard playing on her radio, especially the All-Star Polka Show on Sundays.

Louise is survived by:
Son Michael Stepanek of Norfolk, NE
Daughter Theresa Stepanek of Rochester, MN
Son Alan (Michelle) Stepanek of Rochester, MN
Daughter Stacey (Don) Geu of Columbus, NE
Sister Caroline Nelson of Wahoo, NE
Brother Adolph Ourada of Omaha, NE
Sister Maxine (Harlen) Penke of Bennington, NE
Sister-in-laws Marilyn Maxson of Wheatland, WY, Irene Stepanek of Lincoln, NE, Elaine Stepanek of Schuyler, NE
Grandchildren:  Jason (Jerry) Redding-Geu, Megan (Tony) Ludwikowski, Chelsea (Corey) Underdahl, Dustin Geu, Nolan Stepanek, and Jocelyn Stepanek
Great-Grandchildren:  Alakai Redding-Geu and Natalia Ludwikowski
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

She is preceded in death by:
Husband Marvin Stepanek
Parents Adolph and Albina (Chromy) Ourada
Father and Mother-in-law Anton and Sophie (Houdek) Stepanek
Brother and Sister-in-law Vernon and Carol Ourada
Sisters-in-law:  Patty Ourada and Mary Ann Stepanek
Brothers-in-law:  Ervin Stepanek, John Maxson, and Leonard Stepanek

The family wishes to thank her devoted, loving caretakers for their incredible patience and tenderness over the past years at Golden Living, Homestead of Norfolk, St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Care Center, and the nurses and volunteers at Faith Regional Health Services Hospice team, for all their help and support.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.